An MPEC model for the optimal contraflow operation problem with user equilibrium constraints

Abstract

This paper proposes a mathematical program with equilibrium constraints (MPEC) model for the optimal contraflow operation problem that intends to determine the number of lanes of the candidate links that should be reversed their travel directions during the peak hour, while taking into account the user equilibrium (UE) behavior of drivers in route choice, so as to minimize the total travel time over a study area. The MPEC model includes a parametric variational inequality (VI) that reflects the reaction resulting from drivers with respect to a contraflow operation solution in the case of drivers follow the UE principle in route choice. To solve the MPEC model, this paper develops a genetic algorithm incorporating with a user equilibrium traffic assignment procedure. Finally, a numerical example is carried out to evaluate the proposed model and solution method. Copyright ASCE 2006.